Aligning smart specialisation with transformative innovation policy: lessons for implementing challenge-led missions in smart specialisation

The report provides guidance on applying a mission-oriented approach to smart specialisation strategies (S3) to address societal challenges and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Challenge-led missions are systemic frameworks that help align S3 with ambitious societal goals, and provide strategic direction to the implementation of policy instruments and projects mobilised through S3. The report focuses on areas relevant to mission implementation, including framing challenge-led missions, designing policy mix for missions, developing concrete practises to support mission implementation, and adapting the monitoring and evaluation system. The authors propose mission-oriented roadmapping framework to improve the coherence and directionality of policy instruments and processes mobilised through missions. The report was prepared in close cooperation with policy makers from the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade responsible for the Czech national S3 strategy. The publication is aimed at policymakers in Europe and beyond who are responsible for designing and implementing innovation policies that address sustainability challenges and goals such as the SDGs.